Monticello will be the focus of celebration on Friday and Saturday as the annual Pioneer Day celebration takes place.

“I Ride for the Brand” is the theme of the celebration, which will feature Grand Marshal Ked Somerville in the Pioneer Day parade.

The parade will begin earlier than in previous years, with a 9:30 a.m. start time. In addition to Somerville, Rye and Dianne Nielson will be honored for their years of service to the community.

A full calendar of events is listed on page 16 of the San Juan Record.

The Blue Mountain Invitational Fast Pitch Softball Tournament promises to be one of the best ever, with a full schedule of action and three nationally-ranked teams. It will be the largest fast pitch tournament in the state this year. Action begins Friday afternoon and runs through Saturday.

A concert featuring VanLadyLove will be presented on Friday evening at 9 p.m. at the Monticello High School football field. Tickets are available at the door or at a reduced price if pre-purchased at the Monticello City Office.

A local talent show begins at 6:30 p.m. at the football field. Call 435-587-2277 for more information.

The Lions Club will serve breakfast beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the pavilion just east of the Monticello Post Office. In addition, the Pioneer Day 5K race will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Loyds Lake.

Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy is coordinating mud bog races throughout the day at the San Juan County Fairgrounds. The alcohol-fueled mud racers will provide long and loud entertainment.

After the Pioneer Day parade, the attention turns to Veterans Memorial Park, where there will be a host of food, vendor and activity booths for all ages.

The annual Big Four Tractor Pull promises to draw visitors. It begins at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center.

Swimming events will take place at the city pool.

The final event is the fireworks show, which will take place after dark from the MHS football field.

In addition to community celebrations, several classes will hold reunions during the weekend.

The Monticello High School Class of 2002 will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the Derryl Jack residence, 265 N. 100 W., in Monticello.

The MHS Class of 1992 will build a float for the parade on Friday and then host a Family Dinner at the K&A Chuckwagon on Saturday from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The MHS Class of 1972 will meet for a barbeque at 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 at Seventies Flat. Contact Rob Adams at 435-421-9022 for more information.

The MHS Class of 1967 is having a reception on Friday at 7 p.m. at the home Trudy DeAngelis, 249 S. 300 E., Monticello. Dinner will be served at the Lion’s Club on Saturday at 7 p.m.

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